Hostage and Hospitality

Frederick Mortcombe left the vicinity covered in sticky crimson blood of his enemies, with Audrey on tow.

"Sorry, honey! Your death day has to wait. For now, you have to be my guest," said Frederick, sending her a mysterious chilling wink. He then proceeded to handcuff her to the door of his black and neon green jeep, "as my FIRST willing sacrificial lamb."

He was expecting Audrey, a typical Bloodsworth, to slip in an eye roll at the statement but there was none. He continued regardless, "If it wasn't for your face that resembles your elder, I would have thought they sent in any lass."

Again, she kept her silence but nodded her head.

"Are you a bastard?" He asked nonchalantly. His hazel eyes landed on the caked blood on her neck, believing her status might be the reason for all that had happened a few hours ago.

"No."

"Funny! So why were you treated like some disposable?"

"Because I am a disposable," she choked out. Each word she uttered made the lump on her throat grow bigger and bigger. As though she finally admitted the words she always wanted to deny.

"Pfft! Says you. Yet their bodies are the ones lying in a pool of blood and your heart is the only one beating," he remarked with oblivion, leaving Audrey to ponder to herself whether it is a damnable curse to be living or otherwise.

When the car came to a halt, he ruffled behind his headrest and immediately put on what appeared to be a gas mask. "Go to sleep, Sleeping Beauty!"

Soon, the inside of his car was filled with white smoke and zero visibility. Audrey was knocked out instantly.

* * * * *

Frederick stormed through the main door, welcomed by Gerard, his Head Butler and Rafael.

"Enjoying the bloodbath at the Bloodsworth, Mortcombe?" joked Rafael upon seeing the caked blood all over his body.

"Very. The bath of the century, I must add! You should have seen their very soul escape the body," he responded with exhilarating energy matching Rafael. He then turned to his Head Butler and commanded, "And Gerard, there's fragile baggage in my car. Place the item in my room, please."

Rafael raised his eyebrow and questioned the villainous young lad, "Here? Not the warehouse?"

"Yes. Now if you'll excuse me, I need a good scrubbing."

"What of their possession deserved a place in your room?" asked Rafael curiously. When Frederick glared at him, he shot both of his hands upwards and backed away, "You know what, never mind. I'm gonna go to the warehouse and check what the men had retrieved."

Once he had settled himself down, Frederick walked toward the unconscious woman and carried her to the tub. He sprinkled water on her face until she began to stir.

"Time to wake up, Sleeping Beauty and cleanse yourself. Please put on a nice pair of fresh clothes there."

He left her be and went through the report containing her personal details.

Name : Audrey Charlotte Bloodsworth

Age : Twenty-four years old.

Parents : Ellis Titus Bloodsworth, Giovanna Casey Sawyer

Details : Biological Daughter (Youngest) to Ellis Titus Bloodsworth and Giovanna Casey Sawyer.

Details : Has two older brothers and two older sisters.

Details : Possessed different physical traits compared to her family members; Brown hair with dark brown eyes. All of this person's family members have distinct auburn hair with green eyes.

Details : In need of medical attention.

Details : Has been a subject of rixxx

"I am done with my shower."

Her silky voice startled and stopped him from reading the report further. There she stood still next to the door, with his pyjamas appearing loose on her body and her damp brown hair brushed neatly to her back.

"Be at ease, princess. You're a guest in my house, not some prisoner of the dungeon," he joked half-heartedly as he stood up from his chair and walked towards her.

Even though Audrey is the first woman to enter his room and wore his casuals, he felt nothing out from her. Even when her feminine scent combined with his personal toiletries permeated through the room, he was not entranced.

Instead, he carried with him an air of business. After all, she is the enemy and he could not afford to underestimate her.

Frederick wrapped his hand on her neck and gently scraped it, causing Audrey to flinch.

"Chill, woman. I already told you that you're my guest. And this," he showed her his coloured thumb, "is an ointment for the scratch. Can't leave a lady with an everlasting scar, isn't that the popular phrasing?"

"Thank you for your hospitality," said Audrey with a slight bow.

He gave her a sideways glance and continued, "Anyway, although it looks good on you, I would like to apologise for my shortcomings. I don't own any female belongings in my place and neither would I allow my guest to wear my helper's clothes. So please make do with what I have currently."

"No. I thank you for allowing me to change into a new set of clean clothes."

Frederick eyed her with squinted eyes. He felt suspicious of her extreme politeness and being well-mannered. 'What exactly is she planning to do?'